Winter Heats Up with A Ciclismo Classico Beyond Europe Trip

For many, winter brings with it pretty miserable cycling conditions. But even those lucky enough to live in nice year-round cycling weather can use a wintertime biking break! Whether you want to escape the snow and ice or escape your everyday routine, one of Ciclismo Classico’s Beyond Europe trips could be just the ticket!

Their trips to Chile & Argentina, New Zealand, and Vietnam are sure to make you forget about your winter blues and have you start doing the cha cha. Make like the birds and head south this winter where summer is in full swing. There’s still plenty of time to plan a winter vacation. This could be the perfect gift to yourself this holiday season.

Chile & Argentina - 8 days (+2-day post-extension)Discover an unspoiled and often less-visited countryside in the Andes and Chile’s Lake District, just north of Patagonia. The area’s landscape has been sculpted over millennia by glaciers and volcanoes and has created the backdrop for riding-tranquil lakes, coastal cities, ancient forests, snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and thermal springs. By bike, you will explore the Andes, cruise across Pirehueico Lake and meet the largest group of indigenous people in the area. You will also have the option to extend your stay on a three-day Santiago and Chilean Vineyard Tour, including a visit to Chile’s capital, sommelier lectures and three private winery visits.

New Zealand - 10 days (+4-day post-extension)Cycling New Zealand’s South Island is like soaring through a virtually untouched microcosm of the natural world. The region from Christchurch to Queenstown offers diverse ecosystems from the mountains of the Southern Alps to the shores of the Tasman Sea. It’s a mystical land where untamed rivers carve paths through lush rain forests. Lakes and glaciers bask in the shadows of volcanic slopes and snow-capped peaks. Excursions include a trip close to Mt. Cook, a hike to the base of Fox and/or Franz Josef Glacier, jade carving and a sheep farm visit, kayaking through the rainforest, and of course, incredible cycling on some of New Zealand’s best roads. Extend your stay with an optional 5-day tour to either Milford or Doubtful Sound.

Vietnam - 11 days (+3-day post-extension)Visit this mystical land where ancient temples, French colonial mansions, vast white sand beaches and mountain hill towns blend together into one harmonious experience. Vietnam’s stunning beauty is unlike any on Earth, and the best way to see it is by bicycle! Bustling villages dot the way on this route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh through lush forests, dramatic mountainscapes, and pristine seashores. Enjoy boat rides, talks with local historians (including an anthropologist, craftsman, historian, and UPI journalist), a visit to a local orphanage, all from the comfort of premier accommodations along the way. Extend your stay with an optional 4-day Angkor Wat, Cambodia tour.

About Ciclismo Classico As a specialized boutique bicycle tour operator since 1988, Ciclismo Classico provides the most authentic, unique and exciting vacations in the adventure travel industry. Their well-crafted, award-winning educational trips in Europe, South America, New Zealand, Asia and New England are active immersions into local art, language, music, folklore and, delicious cuisine. By combining legendary service and rare cultural experiences, the Ciclismo travel experience continues to energize and transform each and every guest. For more information about Ciclismo Classico, visit www.ciclismoclassico.com

Ellen Barone has been creating words and images for travel and tourism since 1998. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".